Leaks to Look for During Fix a Leak Week 2018

Did you know that in the United States, household leaks account for more than 1 TRILLION gallons of wasted water each year? These leaks can increase a water bill by as much as 10 percent. Looking for leaks in your home can seem overwhelming, but they are usually fairly easy to spot!

Loudoun Water encourages all customers to make regular leak inspection and maintenance a part of their regular routine. For Fix A Leak Week 2018 take a few moments to see if you can find and fix any of the following common water leaks in your home! Easy leaks to check for include:

Detect a Toilet Leak

1. Carefully remove the toilet tank lid
2. Drop food coloring or dye tablets into the water of your toilet's tank
3. Wait one (1) hour and do not flush during this time.
4. If the dye color appears in your toilet bowl, you have a flapper leak and need to fix it.
5. The dye water in your tank will be removed during your next toilet flush. 

Regular Faucet Maintenance 

1. Periodically replace worn fittings, washers, gaskets and aerators inside the faucet. Some faucets may need new o-rings, cartridges or ceramic discs, depending on the manufacturer.
2. Tighten the water supply tubing at the fittings by checking to see the fittings are secured tightly at the wall and faucet. If those does not prevent more leaking, the water supply tubing may need to be replaced.  

Simple Fixes for a Leaky Shower head
Shower leaks commonly occur where the shower head attaches to the shower pipe. This type of leak may cause water to drip or spray from the back of the shower head. Here are some simple ways to keep your shower head from leaking, while delivering maximum performance:

1. Remove the shower head and soak it in vinegar to remove mineral buildup; recommended once a year.
2. Replace the washer or “O” ring inside the shower head to create a tighter connection.
3. Apply Teflon tape or plumbers putty to the thread of the shower pipe stem before reinstalling the shower head to prevent leaks